Her mom has a photograph of her at 4 years
of age in her Mom’s old cowboy hat
standing in a pair of Dad’s cowboy boots up past her
knees. She is strumming a Ukelele and singing in full
voice to her imaginary fans. Even at such an early age,
she knew what she wanted to do when she grew up. The
little girl’s dream is a real life adventure that Kelsey
is passionate about every waking moment.
Her first public performance was at age 11 when she auditioned at the Ranchmen’s in Calgary and was invited to perform at the Youth Talent Showdown at the Calgary Stampede. That summer she was also invited to perform for the Western Stock growers Centennial Cattle Drive in Medicine Hat; an International, once-in-a-lifetime event that drew national attention and convinced Kelsey that singing was her destiny. By the age of 13 she was singing in vocal competitions all over Alberta. She was a finalist in the Calgary Stampede Talent Search and was awarded the Don Weldon Award of Excellence for most promising performer. She was the winner in the under 18 National Finals Competition sponsored by the Canadian Country Hall of Fame in 2002, and came back the following year to win the over 18 category in 2003.
She was a performer in the Showcase for the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame at the Calgary Stampede from 2001-2004, has performed at numerous rodeos throughout Alberta and won the Cowboy’s Star vocal competition along with her duet partner Cody Bilben in 2006. In 2004 she was invited to showcase at HMG Christian Country Music Week in Nashville, Tennessee. She has been the opening act for Aaron Prichett, Brad Johnner, Johnny Reid and toured with Gill Grande on the 2005 Alberta 4-H Tour which led to several return engagements in 2006. Most recently, Kelsey had the opportunity to open for the well-known Canadian Singer/Songwriter Charlie Major in November 2006.
She credits various musical influences including rocker and more recently Nashville migrant Bon Jovi, Canadian Man Paul Brandt, queen of country Reba as well as legends she spent countless hours listening to while driving the tractor back on the farm like Patsy Cline, Elvis Presley and of course Merle Haggard. Kelsey appreciates all musical genres, but country and gospel are her roots and musical passions.
Kelsey plays piano and acoustic guitar and her versatile nature allows for performances ranging from solo and dual acoustic shows to five piece band concerts. One of her most recent ventures has been orchestrating the five-piece band “Black Denim”, a name presented by fellow musician Trevor Woods. Kelsey comments about the project, ”Like anything in life worth doing, it takes a lot of time and effort, but the end result is worth the work.” Look for upcoming shows and dates on the Events Page.
Kelsey recorded her debut album “Paint With the Colors” at age 17 in Nashville. She will be making a final trip to Music City in January, 2008 to complete her second CD "Cowboy Up". Watch for it's release in early 2008.
Her first public performance was at age 11 when she auditioned at the Ranchmen’s in Calgary and was invited to perform at the Youth Talent Showdown at the Calgary Stampede. That summer she was also invited to perform for the Western Stock growers Centennial Cattle Drive in Medicine Hat; an International, once-in-a-lifetime event that drew national attention and convinced Kelsey that singing was her destiny. By the age of 13 she was singing in vocal competitions all over Alberta. She was a finalist in the Calgary Stampede Talent Search and was awarded the Don Weldon Award of Excellence for most promising performer. She was the winner in the under 18 National Finals Competition sponsored by the Canadian Country Hall of Fame in 2002, and came back the following year to win the over 18 category in 2003.
She was a performer in the Showcase for the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame at the Calgary Stampede from 2001-2004, has performed at numerous rodeos throughout Alberta and won the Cowboy’s Star vocal competition along with her duet partner Cody Bilben in 2006. In 2004 she was invited to showcase at HMG Christian Country Music Week in Nashville, Tennessee. She has been the opening act for Aaron Prichett, Brad Johnner, Johnny Reid and toured with Gill Grande on the 2005 Alberta 4-H Tour which led to several return engagements in 2006. Most recently, Kelsey had the opportunity to open for the well-known Canadian Singer/Songwriter Charlie Major in November 2006.
She credits various musical influences including rocker and more recently Nashville migrant Bon Jovi, Canadian Man Paul Brandt, queen of country Reba as well as legends she spent countless hours listening to while driving the tractor back on the farm like Patsy Cline, Elvis Presley and of course Merle Haggard. Kelsey appreciates all musical genres, but country and gospel are her roots and musical passions.
Kelsey plays piano and acoustic guitar and her versatile nature allows for performances ranging from solo and dual acoustic shows to five piece band concerts. One of her most recent ventures has been orchestrating the five-piece band “Black Denim”, a name presented by fellow musician Trevor Woods. Kelsey comments about the project, ”Like anything in life worth doing, it takes a lot of time and effort, but the end result is worth the work.” Look for upcoming shows and dates on the Events Page.
Kelsey recorded her debut album “Paint With the Colors” at age 17 in Nashville. She will be making a final trip to Music City in January, 2008 to complete her second CD "Cowboy Up". Watch for it's release in early 2008.
